"Manhattan": cocktail - icon

"Manhattan" - a cocktail, which is often called the king of mixed drinks. At first glance, its preparation seems like a simple matter: mix whiskey, sweet vermouth and a couple drops of bitter. Anyone can make more or less his worthy version. But truly outstanding Manhattan is able to cook only the person who really understands the importance of the necessary components.

Over the last century, when many of the best alcoholic cocktails were invented, this drink managed to remain popular. Perhaps, since the invention of his recipe, there have been small changes (for example, the version with the addition of liquor "Curacao" or "Maraschino"), but vermouth always remains an integral part.

There are several versions regarding its occurrence. One popular story tells that in 1874, Jenny Jerome (Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill's mother ), a secular lioness who was considered one of the most beautiful women of her time, held a banquet in honor of presidential candidate Samuel Jones Tilden at the famous New York club Manhattan. The cocktail, coined by Dr. Ian Marshall, who was treated to guests, was mixed from (American) rye whiskey (Rye whiskey), liquor, vermouth and bitter. The success of the banquet made it fashionable and a drink, ordering which later, referred to the name of the club. True, this story was questioned by the biographers of the Churchill family who claimed that Jenny Jerome at that time lived in France and was in an interesting position.

In the era of dry law in America, the composition of the drink has changed slightly. The production of rye whiskey and later bourbon (Bourbon whiskey) actually did not exist. Mostly, Canadian whiskey was used . But even after the repeal of the dry law, rye whiskey was unavailable, given that distilleries were closed for a long time, and the product required a long aging process. The factories producing corn whiskey recovered faster. Some historians believe that they did not stop production at all, and to stay in business during a ban on alcohol, they traded bourbon for "medicinal purposes", according to recipes received from doctors (more than a million gallons every year!).

"Manhattan" - a cocktail, due to the subtleties. The basis of it is whiskey. Which brand is better to use? It depends on personal taste preferences. But the ideal option is the one on the basis of which the drink was originally created. Rye whiskey is very characteristic and strong. Bourbon has a sweetish taste. In America, the Canadian is still popular. But it should be noted such detail: Rye Whiskey, as a rule, should be made from 51 percent of rye (not less), while Canadian does not have such restrictions and is often mixed.

Although Manhattan is a cocktail, which, in fact, is an icon of mixed alcoholic beverages, it often happens that it is often difficult to find a drinking institution, where this drink is made according to a classical pattern. As for the vermouth, it should be borne in mind that he must reassure the "wild soul" of whiskey, but at the same time let him be recognized. In simple terms, the components must balance each other. Two parts of whiskey to one part of the vermouth is nothing more than a general course. It should be remembered that the recipes of spicy wines are decidedly different depending on the brands. They can have in their composition hyssop, coriander, juniper, cloves, chamomile, orange peel, rose petals, root of the aura, elderberry flowers, gentian, ginger, sweet pepper. Sometimes it is enough to add in them quite a bit of a strong drink and get delicious alcoholic cocktails. The lovely sweet vermouth Martini & Rossi is a light, herbaceous, fine wine that can be used in large quantities (depending on the whiskey) in the Manhattan cocktail.

Bitters - no less important component. This is also a matter of taste, although, as a rule, choose "Angostura". Perhaps someone would prefer an orange bitter.

And finally, as for the garnish decoration. If a cocktail with citrus aroma, it is better to use lemon zest. With "Angostura" - it will ideally decorate it with a maraschino cherry.